The U.S. Department of Labor just released its latest Employment Situation Summary for the month of April. Although things are looking promising for the overall U.S. economy, the construction business hasn't enjoyed the same gains.

Almost a quarter of a million jobs were added last month, with most of that increase coming in the private sector. The general positive attitude with which the report was received was somewhat tempered by some "offsetting factors." The New York Times article on the report cites weak construction figures and falling government numbers as two of those offsetting factors.

Where late-to-leave winter weather can always be to blame for static construction figures, we'll have to see what gains the industry makes in the coming months as the weather turns more favorable for building new homes.